Nadu exports GI certified Madurai Malli and other flowers to the United States and Dubai.
Highlights:
The Madurai Malli, also known as Jasmine, is an important part of Tamil Nadu’s culture and economy.
The sacred flower has a connection to Madurai that dates back to 300 BCE.
Flowers have a special significance in Indian culture because they are integral to many rituals and customs.
Madurai Malli is well-known for its fragrance, which is in high demand among the Indian Diaspora in Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, and Western Europe, particularly France.
In order to meet this demand, jasmine is grown on 1200 hectares of land in the Madurai district alone.
The sandy loam Soil in Madurai is moist and well-drained, making it ideal for jasmine cultivation.
Madurai jasmine is commonly used in weaving garlands, and its extract is used to make perfumes, soaps, and lotions.
It takes approximately one tonne of flower to extract one kilogramme of jasmine concentrate, which sells for around Rs one lakh.